Top 20 Ella Fitzgerald Albums Ranked Best to Worse

This magical pairing of Ella and Louis Armstrong represents the absolute peak of vocal jazz duets. Backed by the Oscar Peterson Trio with Buddy Rich on drums, their cozy chemistry and contrasting vocal styles make every track pure joy.

The inaugural release in Norman Granz’s ambitious Songbook project solidified Ella as the definitive interpreter of classic American songwriting. Buddy Bregman’s orchestral arrangements give Ella’s flawless phrasing room to shine across 32 classic tracks.

Arranged by Nelson Riddle, this massive project stands as perhaps the grandest achievement in vocal pop history. Ella handles Gershwin’s clever lyrics and sweeping melodies with unmatched sophistication and effortless grace.

Reuniting with Louis Armstrong under Russ Garcia’s dramatic orchestration, Ella turns George Gershwin’s opera into a timeless masterwork. Their expressive duet on Summertime remains one of the most celebrated moments in recorded music.

This collaboration brought together two absolute giants of jazz, backed directly by Duke Ellington and his orchestra. It features higher jazz improvisation content than other songbooks, highlighting Ella’s legendary scat singing.

Following up on their 1956 triumph, this double album expands the canvas with more solos and extended arrangements. The casual, living-room vibe between Satchmo and Ella remains effortlessly charm-filled from start to finish.

Ella tackles the witty, melancholic, and romantic tunes of Rodgers and Hart with endless charm. Buddy Bregman’s swing orchestrations keep the tempo lively and highlight Ella’s pitch-perfect delivery.

Ditching heavy orchestral backing for a lean small-group jazz quartet, this album lets Ella swing hard and free. It showcases her incredible rhythm and scat abilities in a cozy, intimate setting.

Widely regarded as one of the best holiday records ever made, Ella brings infectious swing and warmth to seasonal standards. Frank DeVol’s brassy arrangements keep things bright and upbeat.

Featuring lush orchestration by Frank DeVol and tenor sax solos from Stan Getz, this album is pure romantic luxury. Ella’s relaxed, buttery vocals make it a perfect late-night spin.

With arrangements by Quincy Jones and the explosive horsepower of the Count Basie Orchestra, Ella swings with unbridled power. Her effortless vocal control against big band brass is mesmerizing.

Paul Weston’s lush arrangement style perfectly complements Ella’s interpretations of Berlin’s timeless melodies. Her treatment of Cheek to Cheek and Top Hat is iconic.

Recorded with a small big band assembled by Marty Paich, this album emphasizes bouncy swing rhythms and breezy vocals. It won Ella a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Performance.

Accompanied solely by Ellis Larkins on piano, this early studio record showcases Ella at her most vulnerable and raw. It laid the foundation for all her future songbook projects.

Another exquisite duo album with pianist Ellis Larkins, capturing Ella’s gorgeous vocal control on classic ballads. Without a full orchestra, every subtle detail of her voice shines through.

Harold Arlen’s bluesy pop compositions match Ella’s soulful side effortlessly. Arranged by Billy May, tracks like Stormy Weather show off both drama and vocal finesse.

Ella dives headfirst into bossa nova, paying tribute to Antonio Carlos Jobim with warm, mature vocals. The Latin rhythms and smooth production make this late-career gem essential.

A soulful departure from standard pop songbooks, Ella tackles classic blues tunes accompanied by organ legend Wild Bill Davis and guitarist Herb Ellis. Her natural blues feeling takes center stage.

Stripped down to just Ella, pianist Oscar Peterson, and bassist Ray Brown, this album highlights intimate jazz communication. Ella’s voice displays rich maturity and emotional resonance.

Arranged by Marty Paich, this sleek 60s session fuses jazz standards with modern hard-bop flavor. Ella handles complex tunes like Benny Golson’s title track with cool confidence.